Passing the SIE as a non-native English speaker
Daniele recently moved to the United States in search of growth. She is a dedicated, results-oriented professional with over 5 years of experience in the banking sector across sales, credit analysis, compliance, and branch operations. She is based in Chicago, Illinois.
Moving to a new country and starting over is never easy, especially in a highly regulated industry like finance. After relocating to the U.S. from Brazil with limited English but five years of banking experience, Daniele set out to rebuild her career from the ground up.
Taking the SIE was more than just an exam: it was a way to learn about and understand the U.S. financial system and open the door to new opportunities. Through consistency, personal accountability, and the right study support, she turned a challenging transition into a successful new beginning, and you can too.
What motivated you to take this exam?
I moved to the United States a year ago with no English. I worked in banking in Brazil for 5 years and was looking to re-enter the industry. Taking the SIE helped to understand the financial basics in the USA and feel more confident.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your prep?
Personally, it was the English, because I was still learning the language. However, the course was so simple and easy to understand that it was a nice and enjoyable journey.
Did you use any strategies, habits, or tools that helped?
I just set up a routine and never missed a day of studying, even just 30 minutes. I used to review the same topic several times until I fully understood it.
Did your background or life circumstances shape how you approached prep?
Yes, I had a lot of support from my husband. But I never let someone else shape how successful I could be. I knew the responsibility to pass the exam was mine and always tried to be responsible about my goals.
What advice would you give to someone just starting?
Be patient, you will probably review the same topic several times, and it's normal. Don't push yourself too hard if you get stuck; just set up a routine and don't negotiate it.
How did you balance studying with other responsibilities?
I knew I needed to study; if I had a day that I could only study for a couple of minutes, it was ok. The most important thing is to keep consistent in whatever you are doing.
How did you feel going into test day?
I felt very calm because I knew the material was sufficient to give me confidence and help me pass the exam.
What role did Achievable play in your prep?
It helped me build my confidence, and all the questions helped me to fully understand the context and fix it in my mind. I recommend Achievable for everyone.
Looking back, what would you do differently, if anything?
I would have started earlier.
What’s next for you now that you’ve finished the exam?
After passing the SIE with Achievable, I landed a job in banking. Now I'm planning to get the Series 63, and of course, Achievable will be my best friend through the journey.
